JP2000509941A - Method and system for managing removable memory in digital camera - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A method and system for managing a removable memory (354) used in a digital camera (110). The method and system includes the step of creating a camera folder (402) corresponding to the digital camera in the removable memory (354) when the removable memory is first inserted into the computer (118) of the digital camera. including. When an image is captured, the image is stored only in the folder so that the removable memory (354) can be used with one or more digital cameras without image name conflicts.

Description

The present invention relates to a digital camera, and more particularly, to a method and system for managing a removable memory used in a digital camera. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Modern digital cameras typically include an imaging device controlled by a computer system. The computer system accesses the raw image data captured by the imager and then processes and compresses the data before storing it in internal memory. Therefore, for the camera designer and manufacturer, the efficient operation of the computer is an important consideration. Because the memory architecture of a particular computer system determines multiple data storage techniques, it can have a significant impact on the overall efficiency of the digital camera system. Also, conventional digital camera user interfaces typically include a viewfinder that displays a small version of the captured image to allow the user to view multiple images simultaneously. By selecting one of those images, the user can display the full size version of the image in the viewfinder. Images captured by digital cameras are typically named by giving the image a number starting with an initial number, such as number 1, and ending with the highest number. In that case, the image displayed in the view finder is identified by the assignment number. Once the maximum number of images has been named, the user must delete or download the images to the host computer to clear the camera memory. The camera then starts naming the new image again with a number starting from one. Such conventional methods of naming images result in some name conflicts where some images are overwritten or lost. One type of name conflict occurs in cameras with certain types of removable storage media for storing images. For example, suppose that a removable memory, such as a flash disk, contains an existing series of images named from 1 to the maximum number as described above. If the user starts capturing an image, the camera will start naming the new image from number 1, since the maximum number has already been reached. As a result, the existing image stored in the removable memory is overwritten by a new image having the same name. Another type of name conflict occurs when a conventional camera is connected to a host computer to transfer an image. Assuming that both the host computer and the camera have stored multiple images, the host computer and the camera may have a series of images with the same name. If an attempt is made to download an image from the host computer, the image with the conflicting name may be overwritten. Similarly, if an attempt is made to upload an image from the camera to the host computer, the image in the host computer with a conflicting name may be overwritten. A method of minimizing name conflicts that occur in digital cameras is described in a joint system called "System and Method for Naming Images in Digital Camera Devices." The camera keeps a count of the number of lapses of captured images stored in the camera and incorporates this number into the name assigned to each image. Although this method does not repeat the count sum, it creates a unique image name for multiple images captured by individual cameras, but a single removable memory stores images from many different cameras. Name conflicts can still occur when used to do so, since each camera will eventually generate the same image name. Therefore, what is needed is a method and system for managing removable memory in a digital camera so as to avoid image name conflicts. The present invention addresses such a need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a method and system for managing removable memory used in digital cameras. The method and system include the step of creating a camera folder corresponding to the digital camera on the removable memory when the removable memory is first inserted into the digital camera. When an image is captured by the digital camera, the image is stored only in that folder. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a folder is made unique by generating the name of the digital camera from the serial number assigned to the digital camera. In accordance with the systems and methods disclosed herein, the present invention provides that a single removable memory stores images acquired from various digital cameras such that image naming conflicts are avoided. enable. In addition, the present invention automatically classifies images according to the digital camera that captured the images, because the folder name indicates the camera from which the image originated by a serial number. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital camera that operates according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment for the imaging device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment for the computer of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a user interface for the digital camera. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one preferred method for creating a folder name from the serial number of a digital camera. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for managing a removable medium according to the present invention. 7A and 7B are diagrams illustrating an example of a view finder of a digital camera when folders and images are displayed in the view finder from the removable memory. Description of the invention The present invention relates to improvements in digital cameras. The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention, and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications of the preferred embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. The present invention provides a digital camera that includes a method and system for managing removable memory used in the digital camera. Digital camera architecture, 1996 Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. And the portions of the above application are reproduced herein with respect to FIGS. 1 to 3 for convenience. Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a camera 110 according to the present invention is shown. Camera 110 preferably includes an imaging device 114, a system bus 116, and a computer 118. The imaging device 114 is optically connected to a subject 112 and is electrically connected to a computer 118 via a system bus 116. When the photographer instructs the camera 110 to focus the imaging device 114 on the subject 112 and use the capture button or some other means to capture an image of the subject 112, the computer 118 connects the system bus 116. The imager 114 is instructed to capture raw image data representing the subject 112 via the camera. The captured raw image data is transferred over the system bus 116 to a computer 118, which performs various image processing functions on the image data before storing the image data in internal memory. I do. System bus 116 also passes various status and control signals between imager 114 and computer 118. Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the imaging device 114 is shown. The imaging device 114 preferably includes a lens 220 having an aperture, a filter 222, an image sensor 224, a timing generator 226, an analog signal processor (ASP) 228, an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter 230, and an interface 232. , And one or more motors 234. US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 355,031, filed Dec. 13, 1994 and entitled “Systems and Methods for Generating Contrast Overlays as Focus Aids for Imaging Devices,” is hereby incorporated by reference. Incorporated therein, it provides a detailed description of preferred components of the imaging device 114. Briefly, imaging device 114 captures an image of subject 112 with reflected light impinging on image sensor 224 along optical path 236. In response, image sensor 224 generates a series of raw image data representing captured image 112. The raw image data is then routed via ASP 228, A / D converter 230 and interface 232. The interface 232 has outputs for controlling the ASP 228, the motor 234, and the timing generator 226. From the interface 232, the raw image data is passed to the computer 118 via the system bus 116. Referring to FIG. 3, a block diagram for a preferred embodiment of the computer 118 is shown. System bus 116 provides a connection path between imaging device 114, power manager 342, central processing unit 344, dynamic RAM 346, input / output interface 348, read-only memory 350, and buffer / connector 352. Removable memory 354 is connected to system bus 116 via buffer / connector 352. Alternatively, camera 110 can be implemented without removable memory 354 or buffer / connector 352. Power manager 342 communicates with power supply 356 via line 366. CPU 344 typically includes a conventional processor unit that controls the operation of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment, CPU 344 executes multiple software routines in parallel and can control various processes of camera 110 in a multiplex environment. DRAM 346 is a continuous block of dynamic memory that can be selectively assigned to various storage functions. The I / O 348 is an interface device that allows communication with the computer 118. For example, I / O 348 allows an external host computer (not shown) to be connected to and communicate with computer 118. I / O 348 also allows the user of camera 110 to communicate with camera 110 via an external user interface and to view the viewfinder via an external display panel. ROM 350 typically comprises a conventional non-volatile ROM that stores a series of computer readable program instructions that control the operation of camera 110. The removable memory 354 is preferably a non-volatile device that serves as an additional image data storage area and can be easily removed and replaced by a user of the camera 110 via the buffer / connector 352. Accordingly, a user having several removable memories 354 may replace the full removable memory 354 with an empty removable memory 354, effectively expanding the shooting capacity of the camera 110. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the removable memory 354 is typically implemented using a flash dlsk. Power supply 356 supplies operating power to various components of camera 110. In the preferred embodiment, power supply 356 provides operating power to main power bus 362 as well as auxiliary power bus 364. The main power bus 362 provides power to the imaging device 114, I / O 348, ROM 350, and removable memory 354. Auxiliary power bus 364 provides power to power manager 342, CPU 344 and DRAM 346. Power supply 356 is connected to main battery 358 and backup battery 360. In the preferred embodiment, the user of the camera 110 can also connect the power supply 356 to an external power supply. During normal operation of the power supply 356, the main battery 358 provides operating power to the power supply 356, which in turn operates the camera 110 via both the main power bus 362 and the auxiliary power bus 364. Provides power. During a low power mode in which the primary battery 358 fails (when the output voltage of the primary battery 358 drops below the minimum operating voltage level), when the backup battery 360 provides operating power to the power supply 356, The power supply 356 provides operating power only to the auxiliary power bus 364 of the camera 110. Thus, optional components of camera 110 (including DRAM 346) are protected from power shortages in main battery 358. The power supply 356 also preferably includes a flywheel capacitor connected to the power line coming from the main battery 358. Because the flywheel capacitors temporarily hold the voltage from the main battery 358 at a sufficient level in the event of a sudden failure of the main battery 358, the computer 118 will be able to capture any image being processed by the camera 110. It is possible to protect before a shutdown occurs. FIG. 4 is referred to as "Method and System for Displaying Images on a Digital Camera Interface" and is assigned to the assignee of the present application and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a source 400. In one preferred embodiment, the user interface includes a viewfinder 402, an image capture button called a capture button 404, a four-way navigation control button 406, a menu button 408, a menu area 410 in the viewfinder 402, And a function key 412. User interface 400 may also include an optional sound button 414 and a mode button 416. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 4, the user interface 400 operates in two modes: a live view finder mode and a review mode. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the capture button 404 is a two-position button. The live view finder mode starts when the user aims the camera at the subject 112 and presses the shooting button 404 to the first position. Once this occurs, the view finder 402 displays the subject 112 shown through the camera's imager 114. Next, the user captures the image shown in viewfinder 402 by pressing capture button 404 to the second position. The review mode is initiated by pressing any other button on interface 400. Referring again to FIG. 4, once the digital camera 110 is placed in the review mode, the viewfinder 402 displays a series of cells 420 that represent the digital images already captured in the digital camera. Here, view finder 402 is shown as displaying nine image cells 420. Each cell 420 is a small image corresponding to one of the captured images. The user can use the four-way navigation control buttons 406 to navigate through a series of display cells 420 shown in the view finder 402. As the user navigates through each cell 420, the previously shown image cell 420 is scrolled off from viewfinder 402 and a new image cell representing another image stored in the camera. Replaced by cell 420. The image cell 420 currently selected by the four-way navigation control button 406 is surrounded by a highlight area 419 shown as a selection rectangle. Other shapes are possible for the emphasis area. Once the image cell 420 is selected, the user can press one of the function keys 412 to display a full size version of the image in the viewfinder 402. As described above, the conventional method of assigning a name to a captured image by a digital camera is performed when the image is transferred from the digital camera to a host computer or a removable memory, and when the image is transferred from the host computer to the digital camera. A name conflict occurs when the image is transferred. In either case, a stored image having the same name as the newly transferred image may be overwritten and lost by the transferred image. This document is hereby referred to as "system and method for naming images in digital camera devices" and assigned and referred to by the assignee of the present application. The name conflict in a single digital camera is minimized by incorporating the total number of more captured images into the image name. However, this method does not avoid the conflict that occurs when multiple images from different digital cameras are stored in the same removable memory 354. The present invention provides a method and system for managing removable memory 354 so that it can be used by one or more digital cameras, while avoiding conflicting image names. According to the present invention, when the removable memory 354 is inserted into a digital camera, a camera folder or directory corresponding to the digital camera is created in the removable memory 354. Images captured by that particular digital camera are stored only in that folder in removable memory. This process is repeated when the removable memory is moved to another digital camera. Since the images captured by the digital camera are stored in respective folders of the digital camera, image name conflicts with respect to the removable memory are significantly reduced, if not eliminated. Many methods are available for creating a unique folder name for each digital camera, but in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the unique folder name is created by incorporating the serial number assigned to each camera into the folder name. Created. Preferably, the serial number is attached to the outside of the digital camera and stored in a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM in the digital camera that can be accessed to create a folder name after the removable media is inserted into the camera. You. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one preferred method for creating a folder name from the digital camera serial number. In accordance with the present invention, each folder name 430 is eight characters long and includes a prefix 432 and a serial number field 434. The prefix 432 occupies the first letter of the folder name 430 and is used to identify what type of device, such as a digital camera, scanner, or laptop computer, the folder corresponds to. If created for a digital camera, for example, the letter “C” is displayed in the prefix 432. Following the prefix 432 of the folder name 430 is a serial number field 434 that displays the serial number assigned to the digital camera. This serial number field 434 is preferably a seven digit field, but other lengths are possible. If the actual serial number of the digital camera is shorter than seven digits, the serial number field 434 will be padded with an appropriate number of zeros. Referring again to FIG. 3, CPU 344 executes an operating system such as DOS that can create a directory structure for both DRAM 346 and removable memory 354. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for managing removable media so that the removable media can be used with one or more digital cameras without conflicting image names. The process begins at step 450 when the removable memory 354 is inserted into the digital camera at step 450 and generates an interrupt to the operating system. In response to the interrupt, at step 452 the operating system scans the removable memory 354 and lists all folders and images found in the removable memory 354. The operating system then generates a folder name from the serial number stored in the non-volatile memory at step 454. After creating the folder name, in step 456 the operating system attempts to create a folder on the removable memory 354 for the digital camera. At step 458, if a folder has already been created in the removable memory 354 for the digital camera, then at step 460, an attempt to create a folder generates an error condition. On the other hand, if the digital camera folder is not found in the removable memory 354 at step 458, the operating system creates a folder directory on the removable memory 354 at step 462. Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, at step 464, any folders and images found in the removable memory 354 are displayed in the viewfinder 402 of the camera interface 400. In response to the user's capture at step 466, the operating system creates an image file name for the image at step 468. A co-pending U.S. patent application entitled "Method and System for Naming Images in Digital Cameras" A unique name is assigned to the digital camera. After the image name is created, in step 470, the image data and the image name are stored in a folder in the removable memory 354 corresponding to the digital camera. In step 472, in response to the user ejecting the removable memory 354, any references to the folders and images in the removable memory 354 are deleted from the digital camera. This removes all such folders and images from view finder 402. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing examples of the view finder 402 after the display step 464 has been executed. The purpose of FIGS. 7A-7B is not to show how folders are actually displayed in the view finder 402, but to show an example of a folder hierarchy. In the example shown in FIG. 7A, it is actually displayed on the view finder 402. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the operating system finds two folders on the removable memory 354, which are displayed in the view finder 402 with unique folder names. When the user selects one of the two folders, the images stored in the selected folder are displayed in view finder 402. FIG. 7B shows an image stored in a folder named C1523460, while FIG. 7C shows an image stored in a folder named C9347825. The exemplary folder shown in FIG. 7B is shown as including both user created folders and images. As shown in FIGS. 7A through 7C, the removable memory 354 stores images taken by different cameras in respective folders, so that images taken by different cameras have the same name. Even the conflict of image names is avoided. The present invention not only avoids image name conflicts, but also automatically classifies images according to the digital camera that performs the capture. For example, images taken by two cameras having different camera settings are stored in removable memory 354 and then displayed on viewfinder 402 for comparison. Since the folder name on the removable memory 354 represents the camera from which it originated, the user need not memorize which image was taken by which camera. A method and system for managing a removable memory of a digital camera to avoid name conflicts has been disclosed. Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments shown, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications can be made to the above embodiments and that such changes are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Easy to understand. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (1)

[Claims]   1. (a) In response to the insertion of the removable memory into the first digital camera, 1 Create a camera folder corresponding to the digital camera in the removable memory. About   (b) transferring the image captured by the first digital camera to the camera folder; Managing removable memory used in digital cameras, including storing in a memory Law.   2. The camera folder is a first camera folder; and   (d) transferring the removable memory from the first digital camera to the second digital camera; A second camera folder corresponding to the second digital camera in response to being moved Creating in the removable memory;   (e) transferring the image captured by the second digital camera to the second camera camera; Storing in a folder.   3. The digital camera includes an assigned serial number;   The step (a) comprises:   (a1) generating a folder name using the serial number,   (a2) assigning the folder name to the camera folder. Item 7. The method according to Item 1.   4. The step (a1) comprises:   (a1) (i) deploying a serial number field in the folder name,   (a1) (ii) Use the serial number field to assign to the digital camera Displaying the assigned serial number.   5. The step (a1) comprises:   (a1) (iii) A process for identifying what kind of device the folder corresponds to 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the step of attaching a prefix to the folder name.   6. A nonvolatile memo that stores the serial number assigned to the digital camera. And   The digital camera stores a series of image data each corresponding to a captured image. A memory device that is detachably inserted into the camera,   The nonvolatile memory and the memory for controlling operation of the digital camera When the memory device is inserted into the digital camera for the first time, connected to the device First, create a first folder on the memory device and use the serial number. And a processor for generating a unique folder name for the first folder. ,   Images captured by the digital camera are stored in the first folder. A digital camera stored only in the memory device.   7. The folder name includes a serial number field indicating the serial number. The digital camera according to claim 6.   8. The folder name may be any type of device for the first folder. The digital camera according to claim 7, further comprising a prefix that identifies whether the resource corresponds. .   9. The digital camera further includes a user interface,   The processor further scans the memory device and stores data in the memory device. All folders and image data found in the above user interface 9. The digital camera according to claim 8, which functions to display on a face.   10. When the memory device is removed from the digital camera, The folder and the image data found on the digital camera. The digital camera according to claim 9, wherein a reference to the data is deleted.   11. (a) inserting the removable memory into the digital camera;   (b) Scan the removable memory and scan any memory found in the removable memory. Creating a list of ruda and images;   (c) generating a unique folder name;   (d) In the removable memory, a unique folder name for the digital camera Trying to create a first folder having   (e) An error condition is generated in response to the first folder being found in the removable memory. Generating a state;   (f) responding to the absence of the first folder in the removable memory, Creating the first folder in the removable memory;   (g) In response to the user capturing the image, the image is stored in the first folder. Storing the image in the memory device only in the memory device. For managing removable memory for use in one or more digital cameras .   12. The step (c) comprises:   (c1) The folder using the serial number assigned to the digital camera. The method of claim 11, further comprising generating a name.   13. The step (b) comprises:   (b1) Copy any folders and images found in the removable memory to the 13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of displaying on a viewfinder of the digital camera. the method of.   14． The step (b) comprises:   (b2) In response to the user ejecting the removable memory, the removable memory Delete any references to the folders and images found in the 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising the step of: